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How to Keep Kentucky Nursing Home Residents From Hurting Each Other

Although we generally think of Kentucky nursing home abuse as an abuse of a resident by a caregiver, residents often abuse each other. How can...

I’m in my fourth month of pregnancy—can I have a glass of wine or not? First I see that “experts say” to drink no alcohol during pregnancy, then I see that other experts say it’s OK to have a glass of wine once in a while, then I see that a daily glass of wine is fine. Help!

I understand your frustration. There is definitely disagreement among “experts.” In a recent study of 1,600 Danish children at age five—whose mothers drank either a...

I visited my mom in her Louisville nursing home yesterday, and while I was there, one of the male residents wandered into her room. When he saw that I was there, he turned around and left. My mom said that he walks into her room often and makes suggestive remarks, and when she tells him to get out, he refuses. He only leaves when she presses the call button. The staff do not believe her when she describes what is happening; the man is apparently quite charming, and they like him. What can we do?

If your mother is getting no satisfaction from talking with the staff, ask to speak to the nursing home manager. This is the type of...

My 17-year-old daughter insists that I take more of a risk when I drive after having a glass of wine than she does driving after smoking a joint. I think she’s wrong, in particular because of the difference in our age and driving experience. Who’s right?

You can find research that will support either of you. The bottom line is that driving while impaired is stupid and dangerous. Studies have found...

My dad recently went into a nursing home here in Louisville. From what I’ve seen and from what he’s told me, he’s not getting any exercise there. I worry that he will develop contractures and other problems associated with lack of movement. What should I do?

You’re right to be concerned. My guess is that the nursing home, like most, is understaffed. I’m not making excuses for them; they probably are...

My niece in Louisville suffered an anoxic brain injury during back surgery. She was in pretty bad shape right after the surgery, but I’ve seen some progress in the three weeks since. If she doesn’t recover completely, should my brother get a lawyer?

It wouldn’t hurt to talk to a lawyer. You have no obligation to hire the one you speak with, and often the initial consultation is...